The museum exhibitions relate the rich maritime history of Kristinestad. The focus is on mid-nineteenth century shipping, when Kristinestad was one of the most important shipyard ports in Finland.
- Open in summertime. At other times by appointment.
- Entry fee.
- Guided tours.
- Cafés/restaurants close by.
The mid-nineteenth century was a period of
greatness in shipping. Kristinestad was one of the most important shipyard
ports in Finland. The exports consisted mostly of tar and timber, whereas
the imports were mainly salt, tobacco and sugar. The traders, shipowners,
shipbuilders and sailors all set their mark on the town culture of Kristinestad.
With the purpose to document and relate the maritime history of Kristinestad, a museum was opened in 1983. The Maritime museum is run by the Kristinestad Society for Maritime History. The museum is housed in two localities: partly in the attic of the Town Library on the northern side of the market place and partly in the storehouse at the Badhusparken park.
MAIN EXHIBITION
In order to manifest his growing fortune,
S. A. Wendelin, shipowner and honorary Councillor of Commerce, erected
a large Empire-style house by the market place in 1837. Accordingly, the
Maritime museum is located in a very fitting environment: the main exhibition
is housed in the large attic and is suggestive of the deck of a sailing
ship, including among other things a captain's cabin and a deckhouse.
Many interesting objects are exhibited here - log-books, meerschaum pipes
with beaded stems, navigational instruments and even a stuffed turtle!
THE MARITIME STOREHOUSE
The storehouse on the south side of the Badhusparken park, at the end of Strandgatan, is the last remnant of the large shipyards of Kristinestad. Exhibited here is a small collection of sailing boats from Kristinestad, Skaftung and Sideby along with objects like boat engines. The furnishings of a sailor's home complete the picture.
